Why businesses across Chesterfield are proud to be Champions

Ten of our Chesterfield Champions explain what being a Champion means to them, their organisation and, most importantly, our community.

For more than 15 years, Chesterfield Champions have brought together businesses, charities and organisations that share a passion for promoting Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

While our Champions represent a diverse range of sectors, from professional services, education to creative, events and the voluntary sector, they are united by a common purpose: championing our area as a great place to live, work, invest and visit.

Supporting Chesterfield’s future

For Hello Social Avenue, being a Champion is about taking an active role in shaping the future of our town.

David Coslett, Co-founder of Hello Social Avenue, said:

“For us, it’s about contributing to Chesterfield’s future rather than simply talking about it. We want Chesterfield to be recognised as a place where businesses don’t just survive, they thrive.”

Believing in our town’s potential

Being a Champion is also about believing in Chesterfield’s future and helping others recognise what our town has to offer.

Tina Fisher, Senior Will Writer and Wills Team Manager at Banner Jones Solicitors, said:

“Being a Champion is about more than displaying a logo; it is about genuinely believing in the town’s future and helping others see the value and potential that Chesterfield offers.

We believe Chesterfield has a fantastic story to tell, and we want to play our part in sharing that story.”

Supporting the local community

For some Champions, being part of the network is about strengthening connections and supporting the wider community.

Lorna Bell, Owner of Kip McGrath Chesterfield West and Matlock, said:

“Being a Chesterfield Champion means being proud ambassadors for the place we call home. It reflects our belief that when local businesses support one another, the whole community benefits.”

Building connections and sharing ideas

The opportunity to connect with other organisations is another reason businesses value being part of the Champions network.

Lucinda White, Founder of Pure Awards, said:

“I’ve enjoyed being part of a network of people who genuinely want to see our area succeed. I regularly encourage other business owners to become Chesterfield Champions because it brings together an active and supportive group of business leaders who share ideas, create opportunities and speak positively about the area. The events are a good way to learn more about what is happening locally.”

Helping people discover what Chesterfield has to offer

For businesses working with investors, property and organisations considering their future in our area, promoting Chesterfield is an important part of being a Champion.

Tom Wragg, Director of FHP Property Consultants, said:

“Being a Chesterfield Champion is something we are really proud of at FHP. We enjoy seeing, and being a part of, the ongoing progress of the town and surrounding areas. Our job as commercial property consultants isn’t just to sell property in isolation, as property doesn’t exist in isolation. The old saying goes “location, location, location”, and it holds true – our job is to present Chesterfield in its best light to people who might not otherwise be aware.”

Backing local businesses

For Peak Project Solutions, being a Champion means supporting other local businesses and helping create a stronger business community.

Ruth Wightman, Founder of Peak Project Solutions, said:

“To me, it means backing the place that backs you. I’m proud to represent Chesterfield nationally, and I actively support local businesses to help everyone grow stronger together.”

Making a difference in the community

The Champions network also creates opportunities for businesses and community organisations to work together.

Jacqueline DeVeaux, Communications, Engagement and Funding Manager at Chesterfield Foodbank, said:

“Being a Chesterfield Champion means being part of something bigger. It’s about collaboration, shared responsibility and pride in our town. It allows us to build meaningful partnerships with businesses that want to make a difference, while also raising awareness of the realities many people in our community face.”

Sharing positive stories about Chesterfield

For creative businesses, being a Champion provides another opportunity to showcase the people, places and stories that make Chesterfield special.

Matthew Jones, Commercial Photographer at Matthew Jones Photography, said:

“This approach naturally aligns with my role as a Chesterfield Champion. Being a Champion is about advocating for our town – highlighting its strengths, sharing positive stories and encouraging others to see the potential that exists here. Through the work I produce and the networks I’m part of, I aim to promote the area in an authentic, meaningful way.” 

Growing alongside the local business community

Being part of the Champions network also means seeing how Chesterfield’s business community continues to evolve.

Jessica Risorto, Director of Redbrik Estate Agents, said:

“I’ve found it incredibly rewarding to watch our local business community thrive over 15 years. The connections within the Champions group are invaluable, but it’s been most exciting to see the network evolve and become more diverse.”

Celebrating what makes Chesterfield special

For newer members of the network, becoming a Champion provides an opportunity to connect with other local organisations and celebrate the town.

Megan Woolley, Financial Services Administrator at Rosewood Wealth Management, said:

“Although I only recently joined Rosewood last summer, I’ve already seen the strong sense of community among Chesterfield Champions. It’s a great way to connect with other local organisations and celebrate what makes our town special.”

Alex Baddley

Content Creator

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